In the summer of 2010, Thomaston girls basketball coach Bob McMahon had an impromptu conversation with Maggie Eberhardt.

McMahon was searching for an on-court leader with the graduation loss of six seniors — Stephanie Keith, Brittany Brandt, Sciarra Brandt, Morgan Doyle, Lizzie Eberhardt and Amy Duszak — including all five starters.

"We wanted to keep it going to be one of the better programs and didn't want to make an excuse that we had graduated five starters," said McMahon. "I told her that she'd be getting the keys to the Cadillac for the next three years and she said she was ready," recalled McMahon. "If I remember correctly, I think she scored 17 points in our first game that next season against Northwestern. Maggie never wavered and has led us from that point on."

She certainly has.

For the second straight year, and third time in four seasons, Eberhardt was a key part in leading the Golden Bears to the Berkshire League regular season and tournament titles.

The No. 3 seed Golden Bears meet No. 15 Lyman Memorial tonight at 7 in the second round of the CIAC Class S state tournament.

In the regular season finale against Nonnewaug on Feb. 15, Eberhardt came up huge with a game-high 24 points, including several baskets that sealed a 55-48 win. In the BL tournament final, Eberhardt had a game-high 17 points in a 50-35 win over Lewis Mills.

Eberhardt likes the ball in her hands at crunch time and credits her coach and teammates for having such faith in her.

Recalling that day when McMahon gave her the reins to take over the point guard spot, Eberhardt said it was a jump-start to her career.

"It was very exciting and that definitely gave me a lot of confidence," she said. "I knew that I needed to step up big, but I also knew that I was ready for the challenge. All of the seniors helped me and made me tough. That definitely helped. I just had to keep working hard. I wanted to be out there. My sister (Lizzie) just told me to go out and love what I do."

Despite being only 5-foot-3, Eberhardt's height hasn't hampered her game.

"I knew that I had to step up in different ways," she said. "I improved my ballhandling and shooting form and my ability to get to the foul line. Conditioning became a big deal. I've had people and (opposing) teams who have doubted me. I learned to get through it and work even harder and not let it bother me."

That demeanor helps make her an even better player, said McMahon.

"Maggie is a fierce competitor," said McMahon. "That's what drives her. She can't hope for things. She has to make it happen and she does, especially in big games."

Which makes McMahon believe that some college coach will be lucky to have her next season.

"I'm surprised that she doesn't have a destination yet for next year," said McMahon. "She's got to be able to help someone."

For now, Eberhardt is thinking about finishing her senior year strong. The past three seasons, Portland ended Thomaston's state tournament aspirations.

"That's been bittersweet," said Eberhardt. "Hopefully, we can go further this year. But to win three BL titles in my career has been incredible."

So is the individual accomplishment of becoming a 1,000-point scorer, something not reached at Thomaston in 11 years.

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